A different kind of high school, built for students who make things.
Ohana Preparatory School is a new private high school inside the Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) in Dania Beach, Broward County, opening in Fall 2027. Students learn through a STEAM and design-focused curriculum and real projects, on a campus where designers, entrepreneurs, and business professionals work every day. Ohana keeps classes small, is secular, plans to accept Step Up For Students scholarships, and is backed by the academic resources of Kaplan.
What Ohana means for your child
Many students thrive in a traditional high school. Ohana is for families looking for something different: a school with smaller classes, where learning is hands-on, connected to real careers, and shaped around each student. This page is about the experience your child will have. For our story, mission, campus, and team, visit About Ohana Prep.
Math and science make sense when you build with them.
At Ohana, STEAM is how the school is built, not a single class or an after-school club. Subjects connect: a robotics build puts physics and algebra to work, a flight simulation uses geometry and weather science, and a design brief asks students to research, sketch, prototype, present, and revise.
See the STEAM electives- A reason to care about the math and science behind real things
- Hands-on confidence with design, coding, and building tools
- The habit of testing an idea, getting feedback, and improving it
- A portfolio of work to show colleges and employers
Career Curious. College Ready. Future Confident.
Your child doesn't have to choose between college preparation and real-world experience. Ohana builds the academic record colleges look for while students explore careers early enough to make informed choices.
Career Curious
Students try out engineering, design, technology, aviation, and business through electives, guest speakers, site tours, and internships, so they know what they enjoy before choosing a major.
College Ready
A college-preparatory core with ACT, SAT, and AP preparation and one-on-one college guidance built into the schedule, not added on after school.
Future Confident
Students practice what matters after graduation: presenting ideas, working in teams, managing deadlines, and taking feedback from real audiences.
Strong academic foundations, first STEAM electives, and early career exploration.
Deeper project work, PSAT preparation, and narrowing interests.
Advanced and AP coursework, SAT and ACT preparation, and internships.
College applications with personal guidance and a portfolio of real work to show.
Every school day starts inside a real workplace.
Most students don't see a professional workplace until college or later. At Ohana, it's the building they walk into every morning. Being part of DCOTA's community of designers, entrepreneurs, and business owners shapes how students think about their own future.
- Professional habits become normal: how to communicate, present, and show up prepared
- Role models are down the hall, not on a career-day poster
- Real feedback on student work from people who do it for a living
- A professional network that opens doors to internships
- Career paths students can see up close before choosing a direction
Learning that answers “When will I use this?”
Every project starts with a real question and ends in front of a real audience. Along the way, students learn the academic skills the problem demands, which is why the learning sticks.
How project-based learning works at OhanaWhat projects can look like
Examples of the kinds of projects students take on, each connecting several subjects.
Small by design, personal by default.
Many families love the traditional high school experience, and it serves many students well. Ohana is for families who want something different.
- Small classes. About 100 founding students and 280 at full enrollment, with an 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio.
- A faculty advisor who follows each student year after year.
- Flexible scheduling for students who train seriously in athletics or the arts.
- High expectations, clear standards, and support when students need it.
- Secular and welcoming to families of all backgrounds.
- Founding families help shape traditions, clubs, and school culture from day one.
Is Ohana right for your family?
Ohana may be a great fit if your student:
- Learns best by building, designing, or solving real problems
- Is curious about technology, engineering, aviation, design, or business
- Wants a school where teachers know them well
- Needs a flexible schedule for athletics or arts training
- Is planning for college and wants to explore careers along the way
- Is excited to be part of a founding class
Be part of Ohana's founding class.
Applications open December 15, 2026. Join the waitlist to hear first about info sessions, showroom visits, and scholarship guidance.